TAKE A HIKE!

Ellenville is at the epicenter of some of the most exhilarating and beautiful hiking in the region. We are surrounded by spectacular State Parks, State Forests, Land Preserves, Local Parks, and the O&W Rail Trail, all of which offer a multitude of outdoor opportunities, from very experienced hikers and mountaineers to those just seeking more gentile family-oriented adventures in bucolic splendor. If you love nature and the outdoors and are a seeker of breathtaking views, Ellenville is the place for you!

BERME ROAD PARK

Located in Ellenville, Berme Road Park offers numerous activities and is also the trailhead entrance to Smiley Road. This is a rugged trail that scythes its way up the west face of the Shawangunk Ridge to connect with the High Point Trail at Sam’s Point and the Witch’s Hole trails.

O&W RAIL TRAIL

The O&W Rail Trail runs parallel to the village along the Rondout Creek. It is ideal for family-oriented hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and xc-skiing. Two sections run through the village, heading north towards Kerhonkson. From Kerhonkson, you can pick up the trail again to head up to Rochester Park in Accord. There is also a 2.5-mile section that heads south out of Ellenville down to Spring Glen. The rail-trail is also ideal during the winter months for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. You can use the ‘Ride With GPS’ route maps below for locations and for further information about the rides.

O&W RAIL TRAIL ROUTES

O&W ELLENVILLE > PORT BEN

LOCATION

O&W NAPANOCH SECTION

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O&W ELLENVILLE > SPRING GLEN

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O&W KERHONKSON > ROCHESTER PARK

LOCATION

LONG PATH ACCESS

The Long Path traverses the spine of the Shawangunk Ridge and offers spectacular views of the Walker and Rondout Valleys. There are two trails just outside the village that give access to the path. For further information about the Long Path, click here.

SAM'S POINT

In 2015, the management and development of Sam’s Point was taken over by the Minnewaska State Park Preserve. Sam’s Point is Ellenville’s best-known and most-loved beauty spot, offering miles of wonderful hiking adventures, stunning views, and many great places to explore, such as The Ice Caves and Verdekeer Falls.

BEAR HILL PRESERVE

CURRENTLY CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE DUE TO COVID-19. The Bear Hill Preserve is managed and maintained by the Cragsmoor Association. Short, easy trails will take you out to Bear Cliff, which offers breathtaking views of both the Walker and Rondout Valleys. The outcroppings are strewn with big erratic boulders that were deposited there over 10,000 years ago as a result of glacial activity in the area. Trailhead parking is limited on Delenbaugh Rd. and we request you respect the privacy of the residents who live along it.

MINNEWASKA STATE PARK PRESERVE

Minnewaska State Park Preserve is situated on the dramatic Shawangunk Mountain ridge, which rises more than 2,000 feet above sea level and is surrounded by rugged, rocky terrain. The park features numerous waterfalls, three crystalline sky lakes, dense hardwood forests, incising sheer cliffs and ledges opening to beautiful views, clear streams cut into valleys, 35 miles of carriage roads and 50 miles of footpaths on which to bike, walk, hike and simply enjoy. And, all this within an hour and a half drive from New York City. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, biking, swimming, picnicking, scuba-diving, rock-climbing, bouldering, boating, and marveling at the incredible scenery. Horseback riding and cross-country ski trails are available as well. Technical rock climbing is also permitted.

MOHONK PRESERVE

Established in 1963, with over 8,000 acres of mountain cliffs, forests, fields, farmland, streams, ponds and marshland, Mohonk Preserve is New York’s largest nonprofit nature preserve. The Preserve’s mission is to protect the Shawangunk Mountains region by inspiring people to care for, enjoy and explore their natural world. Each year over 300,000 visitors come to Mohonk Preserve to get into nature through hiking, biking, birding, rock climbing and bouldering, trail running, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. The Preserve’s over 70 miles of historic carriage roads and trails provide pathways for people of all ages and abilities to explore over 1,600 species of plants and animals that make thhomes in this special place. Mohonk Preserve lands are open year-round from sunrise to sunset with memberships and day passes available at all trailheads.

WITCH'S HOLE STATE FOREST

It doesn’t get more wild and rugged than Witch’s Hole State Forest which offers rugged hiking and spectacular views of the Shawangunk Ridge. Access to the Witch’s Hole trails can be found off the Smiley Road trail. Parking and access to Smiley Road are in Berme Road Park.